Morocco is a land of spectacular scenery, with a rich
history, and heady with tantalizing scents and colorful sights. The call of the
muezzin seems to draw people from every corner of the globe. In 1956 Morocco
gained independence from French colonial rule and was jolted into the 20th
century.

Today it is a country in transition—a unique blend of
Arab, African, and European ways of life. The teeming cities have an air of
sophistication and joie de vivre, but life in rural areas has stayed much the
same. And while the cities are highly westernized, tradition and religion still
play a vital role in the everyday life of most people. With rapid change came
problems. Lack of opportunity and high unemployment resulted in a "brain
drain" as educated Moroccans made their way abroad, and a fundamentalist
interpretation of Islam started gaining ground among the urban poor. Even so,
as technology becomes widespread and the world shrinks further, Morocco today
is coming into its own.

Culture Smart! Morocco describes the way the country's
past has shaped its present, advising tourists and business travelers on what
to expect and how to behave in different situations.